Chantelle
Flight Attendant and Relationship
I have been applying for a flight attendant position with a few airlines. I recently, received an e-mail for me to complete a video interview and see where it goes from there. I am nervous about this new life style I may have. I have always been in a routine, but am tired of working behind a desk. I have also been in a relationship for almost five years. We are both extremely independent, like our time alone, but thrive when we see each other. I hear before I can make my own schedule, I maybe away from home for up to a year without going home at all to see him. I can go awhile without seeing him, but we are both unhappy that we will not be able to see each other at all for possibly a year. But I have been looking into this career, asking questions and am looking forward to something like this. I am just trying to get some feedback if anyone has had a relationship that worked while you were away for so long?
I have a friend who has been a flight attendant for 28 years. He joked and said, please would ask how his marriage lasted. He said because he was gone for three days, then home for three days. This made me laugh as well. Although I am in love with my guy, I am not the type of woman that needs to be with someone 24/7. I like my own space and to do my own thing. This goes for him as well.
Does anyone have any in-sight on this? Anything feedback would be great! #airline-industry #flight-attendant #relationship-management
2 answers
Wayne Johnson
Wayne’s Answer
The not seeing someone for a year - is not quite true. In the beginning you will be "on-call" and may have to be located in one of serval cities. For my airline the "base cities are Seattle, Los Angeles, Anchorage, there may be 1 or 2 others.
You will "bid" the days you want to be On-Call" and usually have to be within-in an 1.5 hours or so of the airport, (different airlines will have different rules). When you are not "on-duty" you can travel where you want. Remember you work for an airline and travel is usually free. If the aircraft is full, (being a flight attendant you can usually volunteer to use one of the flight attendants seats to get home. Only qualified flight attendants can ride in those seats (again depends on company policy). Or your significant other can fly down and stay with you. A lot of the flight crews, just share the rent for a "crash pad" they are domiciled in.
Once you get some seniority you can bid your flights and days off. Most of the "trips" are 3 days, then time off.
So go for it and enjoy.
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Chantelle,
I realized the speech in your message that actually you already decided what direction to take in your personal and professional life: you aim an opportunity to take you from your comfort zone, and cherishes have your own space despite be in a stable relationship with someone.
My advice to you is: invest in this career opportunity as a flight attendant, since you're still not married and nor have children. Although love this person you report, you have the full consciousness of you two are distinct and separate people from each other, who value your own routine activity. In this way, do not worry about sharing time with your partner, as you guys have not yet formed a home or a family together.
Let first things take your natural course, and gradually you two together can rearrange your schedules as the pace of work of both. Do not blame yourself or beat yourself up, just live and appreciate the good growth opportunities.
I wish all the best to you!!!